The Dark Side of Fate

Deliberating

~Liam~

As I stared down at my plate, I made an effort to soothe Alex’s agitation. Falling sick was a rare occurrence for me, so I doubted if that was the cause of my unease. I glanced over at Justin, who seemed engrossed in conversation with his wolf. Much to my dismay, Josephine occupied the seat across from me next to Justin. Without hesitation, Elaine settled beside Oliver, and their mutual gaze revealed a connection between them.

I could only hope that when the ladies reached the age of eighteen, they wouldn’t face heartbreak upon realising they were not destined for one another but rather for someone else entirely.

Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly heard Josephine calling my name. I looked at her, my mouth dry and my heart racing. I couldn’t comprehend why Alex was behaving this way. Clenching my napkin tightly on the table, I fought against an overwhelming wave of emotions that threatened to overwhelm me. Only I understood the intensity of what I was feeling in that moment.

“Congratulations,” Josephine exclaimed, and I furrowed my brow, puzzled as to why she was congratulating me. My mind was muddled, struggling to think clearly.

“You graduated?” she clarified, and I nodded, feeling foolish for not realising sooner. Why hadn’t I put the pieces together? Why was Alex acting strangely? I attempted to compose myself.

“Thank you,” I managed to reply, but as she turned her attention to Justin, I sensed a fit of jealousy that made me wish she wouldn’t. I fought back a growl, desperate to maintain control. The situation felt unbearable, and the urge to leave welled up within me. However, drawing unnecessary attention to myself was not a viable option.

I fought the urge to let out a growl as I observed Josephine gently touching Justin’s hand. Why was Alex losing control? I had no idea what was triggering his behaviour. Josephine’s brother, Luis, took a seat beside me, where Marvin should have been, but he was too busy getting cosy with Layla.

“What’s up?” Luis asked me with a smile, and I nodded, though my eyes remained fixated on Josephine for reasons unknown to me.

“When did you guys arrive?” I finally managed to ask Luis, forcing myself to look at him, anything to divert my attention from Josephine.

“About forty-three minutes ago. My father was held up in a meeting regarding something related to your girlfriend’s father. So we couldn’t leave Gad on time,” he explained, instantly piquing my interest.

“Why were they discussing Mike Maguire in Gad?” I inquired, and Luis shrugged.

“I don’t know, but my father intends to assign one of us to work closely with Justin to investigate the incident in Grizlo. Your father requested it, mentioning something about keeping it within our circle. They’ll discuss it with you. Anyway, I’m excited. The three of us scored exceptionally well in that department and are eager to put our skills to good use. Hopefully, they choose me,” he said, and I nodded, feeling inadequate.

It was disheartening when juniors caught up with you, but that was the Stepanovs for you—they were prodigies who had earned double promotions as a result. I had completely forgotten that they had graduated a few months before us. Suddenly, I felt selfish for my own shortcomings.

“Congratulations, by the way,” Luis said to me, and I nodded in acknowledgement.

“You too,” I replied, returning the sentiment, and a smile crossed his face, indicating that my words meant a lot to him.

I realised that I hadn’t yet congratulated

said, catching her gaze with my

offered, and she responded

highness. Didn’t think you would remember,” she said playfully, summing up our brief exchange before redirecting her

did she spare me a glance, and that

the living room to continue the festivities and spend time together. Our parents were likely gathered in the lounge, enjoying their

Josephine moved closer to me, and I couldn’t help but wonder what she wanted. Her presence was driving my wolf

greeted me, and I looked at

know you

silent, seemingly taken aback by my response. I hadn’t meant to

know you are close,” she quickly clarified, and

said sincerely, and she smiled at me as

Sophia,” I heard Alex’s voice echoing in my mind. He was attempting to communicate with

that one of us will be assisting Justin with the investigation. We’ll do everything we can to ensure she is found,” she said, patting me on the shoulder and preparing

surprise, then glanced at our joined hands as I stood rooted to the spot while the others continued ahead. I didn’t want to let go. Touching her hand felt inexplicably right, and suddenly, I found myself questioning what was happening to me. I had known Josephine my entire life, and she had always been intimidating. This was an entirely

a trance, unable to snap out of it no matter how hard I tried.

you smell like dill?” I blurted out, and she frowned, sniffing the air around

all right, Li?” she inquired, concern evident in her voice. And with that

away and started walking towards my room with haste. I dared not answer or look in her direction. I had to move swiftly, desperate to avoid doing something

I refused to acknowledge her. I had to

to us now,” I whispered to my wolf,

and it has,” my

family,” I protested, desperately searching for any reason to deny the reality of the

may come from the second ruling line, but she isn’t related to us by blood, Li,” he countered,

months separating us. Why had fate chosen to play

a rare opportunity, and I believe we should embrace it,” Alex insisted, his voice filled with

She’s stubborn, annoying, and always trying to prove herself, especially to us. I can’t handle that kind of behaviour. And her sense of fashion… it’s just not my taste. She doesn’t seem to care about